Even Wayne Gretzky is impressed with Shawn Chaulk’ s collection.  The local community leader and Keyano alum (1988), boasts a multi-million dollar game-used hockey memorabilia collection, which pays tribute to The Great One.
 

He has iconic items that Gretzky wore, or used during milestone games.  An example would be the 1986/87 Edmonton Oilers – white jersey, the most significant one of Gretzky’s in the collection.  It has been photo matched to his 500^th goal as well as to the Stanley Cup final game.  In addition, Shawn owns over 70 sticks, one of which is the last stick Gretzky ever used as an Oiler, signed and dated and photo matched from the 1988 cup win game, to name a few.

And then there are the skates, helmets, gloves, pucks, rings and other equipment, which Shawn says all help him bring him closer to his favourite player.

“I love hockey.  When you buy a piece that your hero used in battle so to speak, it’s as close as you can get to him,” explains Shawn, who is the president of Stratford Homes/Stratford Contracting Ltd.

He joined Keyano College in 1986 and completed the Computer Business Systems program, now known as Computer Information Systems.  On campus he worked at the Library and for the Recreation Department driving the athletes to and from games.  He excelled at badminton, volleyball and bowling and was named the Athlete of the Year in 1987 while maintaining a number of scholarships and bursaries.

Shawn’s roster of successes scored him a spot on Keyano’s Wall of Fame in 2005. 

“Keyano College gave me the foundation for success.  My first construction job was renovating the day care facilities for Keyano on Penhorwood Street,” recalls Shawn with a smile.

He started the award-winning business after working for Syncrude for 17 years, a decision to make more time for his family.  Shawn is happily married to Tanya and they have two children.

He also chairs the organizing committee for the upcoming One on One Banquet with Wayne Gretzky to be hosted by the Keyano Foundation. The event, which will be held on May 11 sold out in less than 48 hours.

“Our objective is to grow the Huskies endowment fund.  I knew it would be a success, but selling out in less than 48 hours exceeded my expectations. There is no bigger name in hockey. This will be the best sports entertainment ever; and very difficult to top, because this is beyond fantasy,” enthuses Shawn.

Shawn’s entire collection will also be on display at the event.

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